Sabah edge T’gganu to clinch bronze
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah came back from a goal down to beat Terengganu 2-1 to clinch the football bronze in the 19th Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Flanker Ariusdius Jais was the toast of the squad when he scored a late winner to ensure Sabah retained the bronze they won in Sarawak two years ago.
Terengganu were leading in the 29th minute in first half thanks to Wan Mohamad Fazli Wan Ghazli.
Sabah were unperturbed as they returned for the second half with much determination and they were rewarded with the equalising goal through Mohd Shariman Mukarim in the 74th minute.
As the match headed for the 30-minute extra time, Ariusdius was at his brilliant best to score the winning goal in the third minute into the injury time.
It was Ariusdius’ fifth goal in as many matches in the Sukma football competition.
Despite missing out on their gold target, team manager Benedict Asmat said the bronze was well deserved and he was happy with the effort.
“I’m still happy with the bronze because at least we maintain our third placing in the last Sukma in Sarawak.
“Furthermore, we fought hard for the bronze and I’m happy with the effort on the pitch. The boys did well to stage a comeback and won the game in the last minute of injury time.
“It just showed how badly our players wanted to make the podium,” he said yesterday.
For the record, Sabah registered consecutives draws in their Group C matches against Malacca (2-2) and Penang (1-1) to advance to the quarterfinals as the table toppers.
It was in the last eighth tie that Sabah really showed their true colours when they came back from two goals down to edge Pahang 7-6 in the penalty shoot-out to secure a semifinal place.
Against the hosts and the two-time defending champions Perak, the squad fought their hearts out and even took the lead before losing 1-2 at a packed TLDM Stadium in Lumut.
“At least we will return with (bronze) medal...I want to thank the players and coaches for the hard work,” concluded Benedict.